Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/#comments ESA raises $800k at 'Nite to Unite' eventThe Entertainment Software Association held its 15th annual "A Nite to Unite - For Kids" event in San Francisco last week, and we'd like to congratulate the ESA on raising over $800,000 at the event through the dinner, silent auction, and casino festivities. That money will go to the ESAF, a charity arm of the organization that has raised more than $12 million so far to provide resources and opportunities (many of them related to digital entertainment) to children around the country.

At the gala, the ESA also honored Valve co-founder Gabe Newell with the 2012 ESA Champion Honoree award for "using his technological creativity in interactive entertainment to help teachers utilize new learning software and to develop critical problem-solving skills in students." Sounds like a real honor, and it's all in the name of a great cause. If that's what he got for helping teachers, though, what would they have given him for Half-Life 3?

Continue reading ESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event

JoystiqESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncasinocharitydinneresafeventfestivitiesfundraisingmoneynite-to-unitesilent-auctionMon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive Unlimited 2's 'Casino' DLC trailer is for the lucky ones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/test-drive-unlimited-2s-casino-dlc-trailer-is-for-the-lucky-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/test-drive-unlimited-2s-casino-dlc-trailer-is-for-the-lucky-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/test-drive-unlimited-2s-casino-dlc-trailer-is-for-the-lucky-o/#comments When Test Drive Unlimited 2 launches early next year, players will be able to indulge in one of life's sweetest vices: Gambling. The launch day Casino DLC pack will give players another channel of income and unlockable cars -- provided they're as constantly lucky as the players in the trailer below.

Continue reading Test Drive Unlimited 2's 'Casino' DLC trailer is for the lucky ones

JoystiqTest Drive Unlimited 2's 'Casino' DLC trailer is for the lucky ones originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricasinodlceden-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Test-Drive-Unlimited-2xboxSun, 21 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega receives poorly timed online gambling license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/#comments Here's a fun little slice of coincidence to brighten up your life: A pair of Australian researchers recently published a study that tracks the correlation between heavy video game use in teens and pathological gambling tendencies. Not 24 hours before this study -- which concluded that there was some connection between the two activities -- hit the blogosphere, Sega made an unfortunately-timed announcement: The company had secured an online gambling license from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, allowing it to run Sega-branded online casino games for real-life money.

While some may weave these two stories into a tapestry of fear for our young, impressionable youths, we're honestly not that worried. After their first roughing up by professional loan shark Big the Cat, they'll likely shy away from games of chance altogether.

[Thanks, Barry.]

JoystiqSega receives poorly timed online gambling license originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinogamblingonline-gamblingpokerresearchsegastudyThu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harrah's Casinos herald in month-long Rock Band competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/harrahs-casinos-herald-in-monthlong-rock-band-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/harrahs-casinos-herald-in-monthlong-rock-band-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/harrahs-casinos-herald-in-monthlong-rock-band-competition/#commentsHarrah's Casinos is inviting gamers to visit its gambling hotspots and spend all their cash on slots show off their Rock Band skills during the free, MTV Games-sponsored Total Rock, Total Rewards Rock Band Competition. The seafood buffet, however, will cost extra.

The musical event kicks off in March at 17 Harrah's casinos in the US and Canada, with weekly Rock Band competitions offering up various prizes. Come April, four regional contests will take place, with the most talented group receiving $10,000 and the opportunity to open for The B-52s in Atlantic City. Registration details and a list of participating casinos can be viewed here.

Note that no Harrah's Rock Band competition band of any talent level will match the musical prowess that was Robin and the Stiqers or the E3 '08 Joystiq Band. Just be glad that team Joystiq isn't entering the casino rock-off.

JoystiqHarrah's Casinos herald in month-long Rock Band competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinoeaElectronic-ArtsharmonixharrahsMicrosoftmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2Xbox-360Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[There's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dragon Quest V is going to be one of the most feature-packed games on the DS. Don't try and argue with us, for Famitsu's recent look at the title only cemented that fact in our mind. There is a lot going on here.

Famitsu's article highlights not only a DS-exclusive character, Deborah, but also documents some of the other timesinks available in the game, should you wish to take a break from the main story. You can enjoy some Poker or Slots over at the casino, or partake in one of the other many mini-games available. You can even enjoy some combat in the Fight Field.

If you want to check out some new screens, head on over to Famitsu.

JoystiqThere's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtePiazzacasinoCattle-CallDQ5dqvDragon-QuestDragon-Quest-5Dragon-Quest-5-Hand-of-the-Heavenly-Bridedragon-quest-vgamblingJRPGmini-gamesminigamespokerrpgslotssquare-enixMon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/tomb-raider-comes-to-online-video-slot-machines-finally/#commentsFiled under: ,

If there's one thing we here at Joystiq constantly find ourselves thinking while playing Tomb Raider games, it's "Man, if only this experience could be translated into an online video slot machine." Well someone at Belle Rock Entertainment must have had a window into our souls, because the group has just unveiled Tomb Raider: The Secret of the Sword, a new video slot for their online casinos.

The machine isn't based directly on the games, unfortunately. Instead, it promises to "faithfully capture the gripping excitement and suspense of the original movie" with "a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package." Fans of the movie will be happy to know that the "randomly triggered Super Mode" and "Global Adventure Bonus" have been faithfully captured here. The Secret of the Sword joins a similar Hitman slot machine in the annals of lame cross-marketing ideas for Eidos products impressive and engaging Eidos slot machine ports.

JoystiqTomb Raider comes to online video slot machines. Finally! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinoeidosgamblinggaminghitmanPCslot-mahcineslotstomb-raiderThu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Play dress-up in Japan's first casino game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/play-dress-up-in-japans-first-casino-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/play-dress-up-in-japans-first-casino-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/play-dress-up-in-japans-first-casino-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Japan yet to be treated to its first compilation of casino games on the DS, Success Corp is planning to bring SuperLite 2500 Tokyo Odaiba Casino to the region next February. At first glance, there's nothing particularly notable about the title, with the usual casino suspects all present: poker, slots, bunny girls, blackjack, and roule -- wait, bunny girls?

Yep, it turns out that Odaiba comes with a rather unusual hook: the ability to dress up the game's casino hostess in a range of costumes that can be purchased once you've won enough virtual medals in the game. Indeed, further research indicates that said outfits are the only reward for playing through the game. Is this the vital ingredient that would have brought success with the lonely male demographic to western casino titles? Dear reader, we shall never know.

Take a gamble and make the jump for shots of a further five outfits.

Continue reading Play dress-up in Japan's first casino game

JoystiqPlay dress-up in Japan's first casino game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinocostumecustomizationgamblingJapanSuperLite-2500-Tokyo-Odaiba-CasinoFri, 28 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slot machines to become more like video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's usually not that much overlap between the gaming industry (the gambling one) and the gaming industry (the one you actually are about). That seems poised to change, though, as the New York Times reports slot machine manufacturers are adding skill-based gaming elements to the one-armed bandits in an effort to attract new players. "We can't just make a slot thinking about the 55-year-old lady who comes to the casino a few times a month," said Rob Bone, marketing director for WMS Gaming. "We need to appeal to new buckets of players, or we'll die."

To that end, Bally Technologies has signed a deal with Atari to make machines based on Pong and Breakout, which let you play simplified versions of the games during a bonus round. Don't get too excited, though -- your gaming skills won't let you break the bank at Vegas. As the Times points out, "skill will take a player only so far as these machines are still calibrated to pay out less money than they take in." That's OK though ... back in the '80s we put money into these games without expecting to get any money back.

[Thanks Vlad]

JoystiqSlot machines to become more like video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariBallybreakoutcasinoclassicgamblinggamingpongretroslot machinesSlotMachinesvegasTue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo plays numbers game, wins!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-wins/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-wins/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-wins/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo certainly struck the jackpot with their little dual-screened device, didn't they? With 21 million DS units having been sold worldwide, you can bet that the Japanese giant is enjoying every last penny spilling forth from the one-armed consumer. In the celebratory press release, Nintendo points out that what they've accomplished in under two years easily trumps the 1 million iPods Apple shifted in 19 months. Apparently, that equates to 23 DS systems sold per minute ever since the November 2004 launch.

As you may vengefully recall, we accused Nintendo of having suspiciously puffy sleeves in our last game of marketing poker. You'll be happy to learn then that there are no such shenanigans here and that the numbers check out based on a 24-hour business day. We suspect that if the day were any longer, Nintendo would make such a huge amount of money that they'd be taken into a back room, sternly questioned by Joe Pesci and ... this casino allegory is going nowhere.

JoystiqNintendo plays numbers game, wins! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CasinoDSDS LiteDS PhatDS SalesDsLiteDsPhatDsSalesGeorge HarrisonGeorgeHarrisonTue, 25 Jul 2006 11:25:00 EST